Prudence Crandall

Education Reformation

Criticisms Of American Societal Policy:
Crandall, originally born in Rhode Island, moved to Conecticut finishing her education there. She successfully purchased the Canterbury Female Boarding School, with the help of her sister. Everything had been running smoothly, until she took the risk of admitting a black female student into the institution. She was of a quaker-origin, and saw nothing wrong with admitting all females wether white or colored, to participate in the boarding school for a certain institution fee paid. Parents outraged of a black person allowed with their daughters threatened Crandall and began to retreat their children from the school. Thanks to the support of William Lloyd, on March 1833 she was able to re-open an institution for young black ladies. The towns folk of Canterbury turned to harrasment, threats, and acts of violence towards her and her pupils. They prevented any essential supplies to be reached to the school such as poisoning their only clean water supplies. The society used a law against the young girls that violated human rights of delivering up to ten lashes with a whip for making an appearance at the school. Her goal formed of creating equality in education between colored and whites as well as women's rights mostly focusing on the educational aspect.

How Did Crandall Make A Difference?
Thanks to the Support of William Lloyd Garrison and Samuel J. May, Crandall was able to re-open the very first Black female academy in the same area for all " young ladies and little misses of color." The citizens of Canterbury proceed onto a campaign against black in educational institutions. The Connecticut legislature passed the "Black Law" which later caused Candrall to be arrested for violating this bill. With some help of her supporters, she was released from jail, but she was forced to close the school from the increasing threats and actions taken by the people. Although, she continue to teach in Illinois after marrying reverend Calvin Philleo, she fiercely spoke for equality in education and the rights of women. In the year of 1886, she gained support from Mark twain and other followers, who convinced the Connecticut legislature to grant an annuity, later dieying on January 27, 1890.

Was Reform Practical?
During the time period of Prudence Crandall, abolitionist were just starting to arise in socities towards the end of slavery. For her, the state of Connecticut had a troublesome time to revolve their minds around the concept of blacks being educated. This was seen as a threat towards the "racial social order."

Governmental Backing Of Advancement:
In order for Crandall to have continued her academy, the Government could have repealed the "Black Law" earlier and provided for necessary resources to the school. They could have also presented, especially the president, the equal opportunities (for any color skin tone) of someone's right that were being "violated" in Connecticut by the people in Canterbury towards the black female students.

References

William Lloyd Garrison- An abolitionist newspaper writer of " The Liberator" that dealt with emanicipation went forward after hearing of Crandall's story to support in the opening of the first Black Academy and paid her attorney on the day of her imprisoment towards the "Black Law'.

Sameul J. May- A pacifist that practiced non-violent resistance who became an abolotionist follower of William Garrison on emanicipation who also took part of supporting Crandell in her goal to open a boarding school for all women regardless of color. 


Works Cited

"From Canterbury to Little Rock: The Struggle for Educational Equality for African Americans." U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America. Web. 4 Oct. 2011. http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/crandall/crandall.htm.

"Prudence Crandall Biography - Facts, Birthday, Life Story - Biography.com." Famous Biographies & TV Shows - Biography.com. Web. 4 Oct. 2011. http://www.biography.com/people/prudence-crandall-9260572.
"Prudence Crandall." Blue Skyways - A Service of the State Library of Kansas. Web. 4 Oct. 2011. http://skyways.lib.ks.us/history/crandall.html.

"Prudence Crandall Was Born in Rhode Island on 3rd September, 1803. After Being Educated at a Society of Friends School in Plainfield, Connecticut, Crandall Established Her Own Private Academy for Girls at Canterbury." Spartacus Educational. Web. 4 Oct. 2011. http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAScrandall.htm.